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Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor

Klobuchar will face the GOP nominee in November.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" data-vars-content-id="4d069a10-5e78-406f-aed4-3b9da0e32772" data-vars-headline="Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar</a> sailed to victory in Minnesota&#x27;s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday. The big picture: Polling indicates that the four-term senator and 2020 presidential candidate will be a formidable contender in Democrats&#x27; bid to hold the open seat this November.

Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike

Years of generous salary increases and mounting inflationary pressures are beginning to overtake City Hall.

News

Minneapolis may soon endure its largest property tax levy hike in recent memory — 11.3% — but still would have to cut jobs under a budget proposal Mayor Jacob Frey rolled out Wednesday.Why it matters: Years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generous salary increases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" target="_self">generous salary increases</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting inflationary pressures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" target="_self">mounting inflationary pressures</a> are beginning to overtake City Hall.The big picture: Now, the mayor’s proposal will tee off the most painful budget fight in years, with some City Council members likely to go to bat for pet programs and other members likely to push just as hard for deeper cuts and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller levy hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" target="_self">smaller levy hike</a>.

Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat

Flanagan's victory over U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is seen as a win for progressives.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" data-vars-content-id="11e14895-e73e-4285-847b-b14b377eda6d" data-vars-headline="Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a> defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to win Tuesday&#x27;s Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat, the AP projects. Why it matters: Flanagan&#x27;s victory over the moderate congresswoman is another win for progressives in the broader fight over the future of the Democratic Party.

Map: Minnesota primary results by county for Peggy Flanagan, Lisa Demuth

County results show metro strength for both winners — and Flanagan's reach across Greater Minnesota.

Election

Big vote totals in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs fueled Lisa Demuth and Peggy Flanagan&#x27;s landslide wins in their respective GOP gubernatorial and DFL U.S. Senate primaries.Why it matters: Minnesotans living in the vote-heavy metro will play a pivotal role in picking the winners of the high-stakes races for governor and U.S. senator this fall.<ul><li>How voters break in suburban swing districts will also determine control of the narrowly divided state Legislature. </li></ul>

Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees

Explore our interactive map of Twin Cities canopy coverage and tree population numbers.

Environment

Pests, disease and poor planning have decimated the urban forest in the Twin Cities, which has lost 11% of its tree cover over the last decade, according to an Axios analysis of state data.Why it matters: The numbers largely reflect the invasive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerald ash borer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" target="_self">emerald ash borer</a>’s devastation of Twin Cities tree populations and represent a huge setback to Minnesota’s goals to put more communities in the shade.<ul><li>Trees cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raise property values" data-vars-click-url="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" target="_blank">raise property values</a> and even boost our mental health.</li></ul>

Luigi Mangione's state trial postponed after federal plea deal

Lawyers have until October to file their arguments on whether charges should be dropped.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luigi Mangione&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/09/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-altoona" data-vars-content-id="3e6bd8c4-39f4-4923-a0c9-b4a61add537d" data-vars-headline="Luigi Mangione&#x27;s state trial postponed after federal plea deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/09/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-altoona" target="_self">Luigi Mangione&#x27;s</a> New York state trial is on hold following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his guilty plea on federal charges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/luigi-mangione-plea-trial-brian-thompson-case" data-vars-content-id="3e6bd8c4-39f4-4923-a0c9-b4a61add537d" data-vars-headline="Luigi Mangione&#x27;s state trial postponed after federal plea deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/luigi-mangione-plea-trial-brian-thompson-case" target="_self">his guilty plea on federal charges</a> in the 2024 slaying of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.The big picture: Mangione, who admitted in federal court last week that he shot and killed Thompson outside an investor conference in New York City, was supposed to go to trial on separate state charges on Sept. 8.

Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus

It's another redevelopment opportunity for a neighborhood full of cranes.

Fairview has informed employees it plans to sell its St. Paul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/17/midway-neighborhood-allianz-field-crisis-homelessness" data-vars-content-id="65dc7646-7659-4466-9c75-c54445809392" data-vars-headline="Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/17/midway-neighborhood-allianz-field-crisis-homelessness" target="_self">Midway</a> campus, the health care giant confirmed to Axios.Why it matters: Fairview&#x27;s departure — from a site it wasn&#x27;t fully using — frees 7 acres for redevelopment in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/13/midway-marketplace-hmart-playground" data-vars-content-id="65dc7646-7659-4466-9c75-c54445809392" data-vars-headline="Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/13/midway-marketplace-hmart-playground" target="_self">neighborhood</a> already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full of cranes and construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/28/allianz-field-united-village-construction" data-vars-content-id="65dc7646-7659-4466-9c75-c54445809392" data-vars-headline="Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/28/allianz-field-united-village-construction" target="_self">full of cranes and construction</a>.<ul><li>It&#x27;s just two blocks away from several high-profile projects underway near <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Allianz Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/14/mnufc-united-village-development-park-rink" data-vars-content-id="65dc7646-7659-4466-9c75-c54445809392" data-vars-headline="Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/14/mnufc-united-village-development-park-rink" target="_self">Allianz Field</a> and the Snelling-University transit hub.</li></ul>

St. Paul mayor floats 6.8% levy increase

Mayor Kaohly Her is tackling St. Paul's $26 million revenue gap.

St. Paul property owners would shoulder a 6.8% levy increase under a city budget proposal Mayor Kaohly Her unveiled Thursday.The big picture: The size of the increase would be slightly larger than St. Paul residents are used to, but nowhere close to the historic 11.3% increase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis’ mayor proposed this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="13ed2820-f541-43a3-808c-9e392b965a7e" data-vars-headline="St. Paul mayor floats 6.8% levy increase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" target="_self">Minneapolis’ mayor proposed this week</a>.

Big takeaways from Minnesota's primary election results

The results set the stage for high-stakes November battles.

The marquee matchups are set for Minnesota&#x27;s high-stakes midterm election. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" target="_self"> Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a>, a progressive Democrat, and Republican Michele Tafoya, a well-known former sideline reporter, will face off for the open U.S. Senate seat. <ul><li>In the governor&#x27;s race, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" target="_self">Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> handily defeated candidates backed by President Trump and her own party to go up against U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">Amy Klobuchar</a>.</li></ul>

Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary 

Demuth is expected to face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the November ballot.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" target="_self">Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> is the winner of Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary, the AP projects.The big picture: Demuth, the highest-ranking Republican in state elected office, defeated rivals backed by President Trump and the state GOP to secure the nomination for the open seat.<ul><li>She&#x27;ll face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic nominee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the November ballot." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">on the November ballot.</a></li></ul>

Michele Tafoya wins Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate primary

Tafoya secured the nomination despite losing the GOP endorsement.

Former NFL sideline reporter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michele Tafoya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/michele-tafoya-us-senate-race-minnesota-republican" data-vars-content-id="d503d7d3-4ea5-453b-a146-b8b3a3334658" data-vars-headline="Michele Tafoya wins Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/michele-tafoya-us-senate-race-minnesota-republican" target="_self">Michele Tafoya</a> will be the GOP nominee for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat, the AP projects. Why it matters: Name recognition and a big fundraising advantage helped propel Tafoya to victory despite losing the Minnesota Republican Party endorsement this spring.

A chloropleth map of the Twin Cities metro area showing the loss (or gain) of tree canopy by city, with much of the area around St. Paul showing a serious decline as denoted by dark shading. Other suburban communities have seen some gain, indicated by lighter colors.

Change in tree canopy coverage by city, 2013 to 2023

The buttons at the top of this map toggle between city-by-city overviews of tree canopy health and tree population. Data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Map: Kyle Stokes/Axios

News 🗞

Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees

Luigi Mangione's state trial postponed after federal plea deal

Fairview selling St. Paul Midway campus

St. Paul mayor floats 6.8% levy increase

Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike